Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sweet Ricotta Peaches: A Sicilian Pastry Treasure
Discover the authentic recipe for sweet ricotta peaches — soft brioche buns filled with creamy ricotta and tinted with alchermes liqueur. A stunning and delicious classic from Sicilian tradition!
📖 What is it
Discover the authentic recipe for sweet ricotta peaches — soft brioche buns filled with creamy ricotta and tinted with alchermes liqueur. A stunning and delicious classic from Sicilian tradition!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 250g strong white bread flour
- ✓ 250g plain flour
- ✓ 270ml lukewarm water
- ✓ 50g caster sugar
- ✓ 50g lard
- ✓ 25g fresh yeast
- ✓ 10g salt
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 400g sheep’s milk ricotta
- ✓ 200g granulated sugar
- ✓ Half a sachet of vanilla sugar
▸ For the syrup
- ✓ 400g granulated sugar
- ✓ 100ml water
- ✓ 100ml alchermes liqueur
▸ To decorate
- ✓ Granulated sugar
- ✓ Marzipan leaves
- ✓ Glacé cherries
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the heart of Sicilian sweet-making with these ricotta-filled peaches — light, fragrant treats that capture the vibrant colours and festive flavours of the island, enchanting with their delicate texture and irresistible charm.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Start by making the ricotta cream: drain the ricotta in the fridge for a few hours, then sieve it and mix with sugar and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy.
- 2
For the dough: in a bowl, combine the flours with sugar, salt and lard. Dissolve the fresh yeast in a little water, then gradually add it along with the remaining water, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
- 3
Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for about an hour.
- 4
Divide the dough into small balls of around 35g each, place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper, and let them rise for another hour.
- 5
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
- 6
Prepare the syrup: gently dissolve the sugar in water over a low heat, then stir in the alchermes and leave to cool.
- 7
Hollow out a small cavity at the base of each bun, soak it with the alchermes syrup, then fill with the ricotta cream. Sandwich two halves together to form a peach shape.
- 8
Briefly dip the outside in the syrup, roll in granulated sugar, and decorate with marzipan leaves and a glacé cherry on top.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer twist, swap the ricotta for a silky custard or a dark chocolate ganache.
- •
Add a few chocolate chips to the dough or ricotta cream for a delightful surprise.
- •
For perfectly shaped peaches, try using silicone moulds to form the buns.
- •
If you prefer a lighter option, replace the ricotta with a Greek yoghurt and honey cream.
- •
For a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with a cashew or tofu-based cheese flavoured with vanilla and lemon zest.
- •
Enhance the flavour complexity by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur to the dough.
- •
To make these gluten-free, use alternative flours like rice or almond flour, adjusting the hydration accordingly.
- •
The secret to this dessert lies in the delicate filling and the perfect harmony between the fragrant alchermes and the creamy ricotta.
📦 Storage
- • Store the sweet peaches in the fridge, wrapped in cling film, and enjoy within two days to keep them fresh and flavoursome.
- • Avoid freezing these treats as the delicate ricotta filling may lose its texture.
- • If preparing ahead, keep the dough and ricotta cream separate, assembling the peaches just before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Serve these sweet peaches with a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria, whose sweetness and aromatic notes beautifully complement the richness of the ricotta and the scent of alchermes. Alternatively, a passito from Noto or a Sicilian sweet wine like Zibibbo works wonderfully. For those preferring wines from outside Sicily, a Moscato d’Asti or an aromatic Gewürztraminer will highlight the fruity notes of the dessert.
Making these sweet ricotta peaches is like bringing a slice of Sicily right into your kitchen — a dessert that blends tradition, colour and flavour in a lovely, sweet embrace. Treat yourself to this little pleasure and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones. It’s a recipe that’s sure to brighten any gathering, so why not spread the joy and let everyone in on the magic?
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